We are a Carnegie R1 research institution and one of the nation’s leading research universities.

Our research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others.

Our students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships.

As an economic driver, we generate an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state.

We are one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music.

We offer the only ocean engineering degree in Mississippi.

We are among only 1% of institutions in the world to earn dual accreditation in both business and accounting by AACSB.

Our students routinely engage in more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service each year.

We are home to the sixth-oldest acceptance-based Honors College in the nation and the oldest in Mississippi.